Related

Police have released the Parkhill home of Alvin and Kathryn Liknes as part of their investigation into the disappearance of the couple and their five-year-old grandson Nathan O’Brien.

They are concentrating their search efforts Sunday on the Spyhill Landfill in northwest Calgary and a 16-hectare rural property in Airdrie owned by the parents of Douglas Garland, so far the only person of interest identified in the case.

The Likneses and their grandson were last seen at the house on 38A Avenue S.W. two weeks ago, late on Sunday June 29. Police have combed the property for evidence in the fortnight since. The home was not left in its normal condition, they said early in the investigation, and later revealed there was evidence of a violent altercation at the scene that likely left at least one person in “medical distress.”

Sunday morning there were few signs the blue-grey weatherboard house was the scene of one of Calgary’s most high profile crimes. The ever-present police tape and patrol cars of the last two weeks were gone. Traffic on the quiet suburban street slowed even further outside the property as motorists turned their heads for a better look. They knew which house they were looking for.

A candle decoration with flowers and votives sat on the front lawn, along with a note that read “I Believe.” Nearby, the green ribbons adopted as a symbol of hope for the missing trio remained on display in many front yards.

Police searched the property a final time on Saturday.

Plastic grey boxes and a paper bag filled with personal items sat on the pathway leading up to the home, along with a rake and shovel.

At least three officers could be seen carefully looking through every item in the single-vehicle garage at the front of the home. They sifted through buckets, coolers, cardboard boxes, and scrutinized aerosol spray cans, clothing, a fire extinguisher, lawn chairs, and a block of wood among other things.

Even the walls of the garage weren’t missed, with one officer shining a flashlight to get a closer look.

Officers also combed a dark grey Nissan Altima parked on the driveway, checking the trunk, under the hood, and underneath the vehicle.

Other police were seen coming and going from the propped-open front door, and walking around inside the home.

Garland, 54, has not been charged in connection with the missing persons case. But he had been in custody on unrelated identification theft and credit card charges.

On Friday, he was granted bail on $750 cash and several conditions, including a 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew, not possessing a passport and not leaving the province without permission from his release supervisor or the court.

He is to reside in traditional housing, which could include a hotel, motel, Calgary Drop-In Centre, Mustard Seed, Salvation Army or the Centre of Hope. But he cannot reside at his parents’ home.

Police confirmed Saturday that Garland had been released from the remand centre, but would not say when or where he was now living.

Court documents show Garland has a criminal history involving drugs and identity theft.

His sister is in a common-law relationship with a Liknes relative. In addition to the family connection, sources have said the two were in business together several years ago but it ended acrimoniously.

Police have indicated they are looking into business dealings involving the Liknes family.

Garland is scheduled back in court Aug. 6.

An Amber Alert remains in effect in the case. Investigators urge anyone with information to contact police at 403-266-1234, by e-mail at homicidetips@calgarypolice.ca, or via Crime Stoppers.

In less than a week, Abbotsford recording artists Hedley went from touring Canada with two supporting acts and a popular new album to pariahs ensnared in allegations of sexual misconduct. On Monday, accusations that band members Jacob Hoggard, Dave Rosin, Tommy Mac and Jay Benison had engaged in sexual behaviour with teenage girls surfaced on Twitter […]

Almost Done!

Postmedia wants to improve your reading experience as well as share the best deals and promotions from our advertisers with you. The information below will be used to optimize the content and make ads across the network more relevant to you. You can always change the information you share with us by editing your profile.

By clicking "Create Account", I hearby grant permission to Postmedia to use my account information to create my account.

I also accept and agree to be bound by Postmedia's Terms and Conditions with respect to my use of the Site and I have read and understand Postmedia's Privacy Statement. I consent to the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of my information in accordance with the Postmedia's Privacy Policy.

Postmedia wants to improve your reading experience as well as share the best deals and promotions from our advertisers with you. The information below will be used to optimize the content and make ads across the network more relevant to you. You can always change the information you share with us by editing your profile.

By clicking "Create Account", I hearby grant permission to Postmedia to use my account information to create my account.

I also accept and agree to be bound by Postmedia's Terms and Conditions with respect to my use of the Site and I have read and understand Postmedia's Privacy Statement. I consent to the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of my information in accordance with the Postmedia's Privacy Policy.